Tips for a Successful Camping Trip
by Giuseppe Tesola
http://www.hcamping.com
Just like childbirth, you often forget the pitfalls of last
year's camping adventure. To make your trip to the Great
Outdoors a little bit more enjoyable, grab your flashlight
and nestle under your bed to review these handy pointers
pulled from firsthand experience.
1. Make a checklist before you pack so you will remember
everything that you need to take. This list needs to
include your equipment, even the obvious things like tent
and sleeping bag, your food, and items needed in case of
an emergency. Remember that the reason you are camping
is to get away into the wilderness and there may not be a
convenience store nearby.
2.~Rain does and will happen. If your outdoors, you
really can't get too far from rain. Packing your goods in
waterproof containers and bags is really a lifesaver. Go a
step farther and pack smaller items in durable zippered
freezer bags. Other small containers like plastic
prescription containers work great for little stuff like
matches or coins. Don't forget about the big essentials
like sleeping bags that need to be kept soggy-free.
3.~Before the temptation to sight-see kicks in, set-up
upon arrival. Why? It's too tempting to put off set-up too
long. Daylight is a much safer and more convenient time to
take care of your arrangements than at night when you'd
rather be toasting hot dogs.
4. Also have those items that you need after dark ready
before darkness falls. Of course, you remembered to check
the flashlight batteries before you left home, didn~t you?
5. Plan your camping meals in advance so that you have all
the ingredients with you. To make outdoor cooking easier,
put food for the same meal together before you leave home.
Think about pre-measuring and combining ingredients like
sugar and flour that are used in baking. In general,
prepare as much in advance as you can so that cooking meals
is fun and not a chore.
6.~Wildlife is attracted to food and its smells, so be
careful where you eat and how you store your food. Nothing
is worse than finding a raccoon tearing apart your camp for
food. Also, eat only outdoors rather than in a tent. Even
the smallest crumbs are too tempting for many wild animals
that can easily tear apart your tent in search of a few
morsels.
7. And, of course, don~t feed the animals that beg for
food. It is not safe or healthy for you or the animals.
8.~Leave your campsite in good or better condition than
upon your arrival. A good steward of camping enjoys and
respects the natural beauty of the outdoors and wants the
next visitor to feel this same way. Plastic trash bags are
sturdy packages to hold your refuse. "Leave only your
footprints", as the Scouting saying goes.
9.~Don't bug your neighbors but do extend your help.
When camping with a family, nothing disrupts you more than
having rowdy, noisy and obnoxious camping neighbors. On the
other hand, neighbors who look like they need a little
assistance setting up or such often appreciate kind gestures
of helps if offered.
10.~ There are no guarantees that it won't rain. And,
if it does rain, you can still have fun. Staying focused on
the purpose of a family trip, which is to be with family,
means your fun doesn't have to depend on the weather.
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